The Best Wrestling Shoes

For many action sports, it’s important to have the right shoes to ensure proper performance when it counts. Whether it’s rock climbing, skateboarding, or basketball, each sport has its own unique shoe designs to help the athletes. Wrestling is no different, and its shoes are built for victory on the mat or in the ring. If you’re not sure where to start your search for new wrestling shoes, don’t worry. We’ve narrowed down the best wrestling shoes on the market to give you a head start.

What to Look For

When narrowing down the best wrestling shoes, we considered traction, durability, overall design, and price. If you want a well-rounded shoe with practical features at an affordable price, ASICS men’s Matflex 6 wrestling shoes are a great option. If you want something with a bit more flair, ASICS men’s JB Elite IV wrestling shoes offer reliable performance with top-notch add-ons. Read on to see all our top picks and find the wrestling shoes that suit you best.

ASICS Men’s Matflex 6 Wrestling Shoes

A modern classic

These no-frills shoes offer plenty of practical features at a great price.
Best Overall

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Shopping for a new pair of shoes can be a big undertaking, but sometimes it’s best to go back to basics. These minimalist shoes offer a bare-bones approach to wrestling footwear, loaded up with all the practical features you need and no extra add-ons. They have a simple and durable design that’s meant to last. They also fit tight around the ankles for better support and control during wrestling matches. Best of all, the price is surprisingly affordable for its quality. If you’re just starting your search for wrestling shoes, these shoes are a great place to begin.

Pros:

  • Fits tight for support
  • Very durable
  • Easy to break in
  • Affordable price

Cons:

  • May be too narrow for some people’s feet

ASICS Kid’s Matflex 6 Grade School Wrestling Shoes

Little feet

Help your whole family do their best with these quality shoes that are designed specifically for kids.
Best For Kids

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Kids can benefit from the physical and mental challenges of wrestling just like adults, but there are typically fewer options for kids’ gear on the market. If you’re looking for kids’ wrestling shoes, these ones from ASICS are a great starting point. They come in a large selection of colors and sizes, so they won’t cramp your kid’s style. They also have a sock liner and mesh insole to help provide a snug fit and keep your kid’s feet ventilated. Best of all, the price is very affordable. For the quality of the shoes and the built-in features, you’d be hard-pressed to beat this bargain buy.

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Comes in a large color selection
  • Features an EVA sock liner
  • The mesh insole helps with ventilation

Cons:

  • Sizes run small

ASICS Unisex Snapdown 2 Wrestling Shoes

Female ferocity

This shoe is perfect for both men and women that want to dominate in the wrestling ring.
Best For Women

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If you’re a woman looking for wrestling shoes, sometimes it can be hard to find shoes with all the features you want that come in your size. Lucky for you, this unisex shoe from ASICS is made for both men and women, so it comes in a very wide range of sizes. The shoes are designed to be lightweight and flexible for easy handling on the wrestling mats, and they come with a very grippy synthetic sole. On top of that, it sports a classic look that won’t disappoint no matter what gender you are. If you’re looking for shoes that shout girl power, you can’t go wrong with these.

Pros:

  • Fits men and women
  • Comes in a wide range of sizes and colors
  • Very flexible design
  • Synthetic sole

Cons:

  • Sizing may not be consistent with ASICS’ other models

ASICS Men’s JB Elite IV Wrestling Shoes

The finer things

These shoes bring only the best in design and construction to help you on the mat.
Premium Pick

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Winning a wrestling match requires a lot of skill, but with evenly-matched athletes, victory can come down to the smallest margins for error. If you want the absolute best shoes to give you the extra edge on the mat, these may be the ones for you. They come with an extremely grippy split sole for extra traction and control. They also sport a stylish, durable construction that’s comfortable to wear, making for a more natural-feeling performance. They may be pricey, but they’re worth every penny to feel confident when the bell rings on the wrestling match.

Pros:

  • Grippy rubber split sole
  • Durable construction
  • Great aesthetic
  • Very comfortable to wear

Cons:

  • Pricier than other options

Otomix Men’s Stingray Escape Wrestling Shoes

Do it all

These well-rounded shoes have top-notch features that work well with a variety of sports.
Most Versatile

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If you’re someone who does multiple sports, buying all the gear for those sports can add up quickly. If you’re looking to multi-task a bit, these wrestling shoes are here to help. With a design that’s versatile enough to work for weightlifting, MMA fighting, and even bodybuilding, these shoes are built to do it all. They have a lightweight design with high-traction soles, making them efficient for quick movement on the mat. They even have a padded liner for better ankle support, so they’re a great choice for those that make safety a priority. Whether you want a shoe that’s high-quality or one that can hold up to different uses in the gym, this pair can do it all.

Pros:

  • Made with both leather and synthetic material
  • Padded liner for extra support
  • Extremely lightweight design
  • Great traction

Cons:

  • Not very durable considering the high price

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use wrestling shoes for other sports?

Yes, but only certain ones. Wrestling shoes can also be worn for weightlifting, boxing, mixed martial arts, and other similar sports. Though these sports are fairly similar, they all have unique features that make them different. Wrestling shoes are designed for all-around movement, so they’re fit for other sports that utilize similar movements.

Are wrestling shoes supposed to be worn tight?

Yes, at least tighter than normal shoes. Wearing wrestling shoes tightly is mainly beneficial for preventing ankle and foot injuries. The tight fit ensures more stability and better handling in the ring.

About the Author

Mitchell is a professional musician and knows the importance of quality gear. From filming music videos to recording albums from his computer, he has discovered what separates the best tech from the worst. He hopes to share his expertise and experiences in the world of technology to guide others towards reliable gear that helps them shine.

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